Finally, a horror movie that doesn't insult our intelligence.

Rating: Null/10 (15 July 2003)

I imagine the publicity machine that went to work on 28 Days Later will, with hindsight, regret having made reference to Zombies in the promotional campaign. In doing so, it created a reason for people to criticize the movie or at least spend as much time talking about what it isn't rather than what it is. Which is a shame as this is a though-provoking. intelligent, and well crafted movie that grabs the attention in a pretty scary--it's a movie I know but this could happen--opening sequence and never lets go. The screen writers must take credit for not allowing the apocalyptic undercurrent that moves the story along to deteriorate into a classic horror-flick treatment where the dumbest characters do the dumbest things. On the contrary, they seem to have adopted a rather simplistic and refreshing approach: what's the obvious thing to do in this situation?
In this context beating a friend to death in a heartbeat, because if you don't he'll likely tear you to shreds, does seem the most obvious and natural thing in the world to do, doesn't it?
Technically, sure, the movie has a few holes. But when art imitates life why on earth would we expect perfection? It more than compensates, though, in the afterthought-what you're left with when the movie has run its course. And in this case, the very real and disturbing message that remains is that whatever notion of evil we concoct for our amusement and entertainment, nothing will ever compare to man's inhumanity to man. And this, I'm afraid to say, is the real horror of 28 Days Later. Go see it. And bring a friend. I guarantee you'll want someone to talk to on your way home.